Irving has been contacting some of his former Team USA mates, letting them know that he might be willing to push for a trade, especially with the latest drama unfolding in Cleveland.

Through back channels, Irving let it be known that he’d be interested in coming to Chicago.

First thing’s first: It’s more likely Irving and Jimmy Butler team up in Cleveland than on the Chicago Bulls. Even if LeBron leaves and the Cavaliers decide to shop Irving next summer, the Bulls won’t have the assets. Their draft pick would be enticing if they tanked this season, but that’s out of the question when Butler, Rajon Rondo (non-guaranteed) and Dwyane Wade (opted in) all remain on the roster.

Overall, though, it makes sense that Irving would want to abandon the Cavaliers if LeBron goes. Not only have the two developed what appears to be a close relationship, but the Cavaliers would be absolutely screwed. LeBron remains the team’s lifeline, and Cleveland never once showed in his previous four-year absence it was capable of moving in the right direction without him.

If you’re Irving, who would be 26 next summer, would you want to stick around to see what comes during the next era of LeBron-less basketball? Yeah, no.

Cavs fans can only hope he changes his mind.

Actually, as long as they’re hoping for stuff, they should cross their fingers LeBron doesn’t leave at all.